I agree that chem cured is definitely better for salmon. For steelhead I will only use a borax cure which I've managed to get all of my fishing buds addicted to as well. The point was hammered home one day fishing the Nestucca during low water conditions. My pal was fishing some chem cured eggs and I was fishing borax cured using identical tackle right down to the same color corky. He hooked one fish only cuz he got first cast since I was on the oars. After that it was 3-0 in my favor.

I've seen this time and again when fishing for steelhead. I know of a guide on the Rogue that simply puts straight borax on his eggs and seals them and tosses them in the freezer. They tend to cure as you fish. Beautiful eggs that don't stay on the hook a long time but generally don't need to as the fish gulp them with a great deal of vigor